Song Yu's parents both died when she was young, leaving her an orphan.
In outsiders' eyes, Song Yu must have done good deeds in her past life to be so cherished by Old Madam Zhou in this one. She was raised by her side like a precious jewel, treated just like her own granddaughter.
The Zhou family was deeply rooted and sprawling, with a long-standing foothold in the capital. Its businesses spanned a wide range of industries, and its assets were immense.
Only Song Yu knew that, in the eyes of the Zhou family, she had always been an outsider. And the person she feared most in the Zhou household was Zhou Huaizhi.
Zhou Huaizhi had taken charge of the family at a young age. Cold and taciturn, he was ruthless and decisive in his methods. Everyone in the Zhou family feared him.
Whenever Song Yu saw him, she kept her head down and behaved meekly, addressing him as Big Brother. She never dared overstep her bounds.
Everything about life in the Zhou household was good, except for the second son, Zhou Wenyao, who was impossible to bear.
He had looked down on Song Yu since they were children and always took pleasure in bullying her. Later, he became completely unhinged. Drunk and acting like an animal, he barged into her room and tried to assault her.
In the deep darkness of night, Song Yu struggled free and stumbled away. Through tear-blurred eyes, she could make out only a clear silhouette.
A coat still warm from its owner covered her disheveled state. Zhou Huaizhi held her trembling shoulders. "Don't be afraid."
Zhou Huaizhi had always been stern and uncompromising. The second son of the Zhou family was beaten and made to kneel for a full day and night. No one dared say a word.
The incident became a scandal the Zhou family kept buried, and Song Yu became an awkward presence in their home.
With no other choice, Song Yu brought her boyfriend to meet the family and announced that they planned to get married.
Late that night, Zhou Huaizhi blocked her at her bedroom door. He bent down and stared into her eyes, his gaze passing over every inch of her face. "It won't work. He can't protect you."
"Come to my side, Xiao Yu."
Only later did Song Yu learn that the dogs that bite don't bark.
The truly mad one in the Zhou family was someone else.
Core theme: Rebuild after breaking down.
